When schools have religious holidays off, instead of being called things like “fall recess” and “spring recess,” specific names are necessary.
In America, many school districts’ calendars are built around some religious holidays, such as Yom Kippur and Good Friday. This is because a large number of absences is anticipated on these holidays, so having the day off enforces equitable learning.
Instead of being called recesses, these dates need to have more specific names such as and reasons for having them off. For example, they could simply be called “Yom Kippur Break” and “Good Friday Break,” or something along those lines.
Giving these breaks specific names can spark further learning. A person could see that they have a day off of school for a holiday and not know what it is or what religion practices it. So, they could look it up or ask somebody, and learn more. Then, they can help educate others on what that holiday is.
Another reason to give these breaks specific names is to keep these breaks equitable for all. This can be done by making sure every religious holiday off has a specific name. For example, instead of saying “fall recess” then saying “Good Friday Break” or the other way around, it should be “Yom Kippur Break” and “Good Friday Break.” This applies to all other breaks that fall over religious holidays.
One problem that could occur with this is somebody saying that giving these breaks more specific names automatically makes them too religious. This is a fine line that cannot be crossed, and there is a way to use specific holiday names without crossing it. The Constitution says that religious holidays can be taught without requiring anybody to participate in them, and this would be doing exactly that.
In conclusion, it is important to give these breaks specific holiday names. This can provide educational opportunities and equitable learning for all.